Why Was Vader SMILING After Obi-Wan Defeated Him in the FINALE!

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[@DemiurgeDarkfire]

in my opinion , the smile was there to show that he's totally gone off the deep end at this point. he's killed kids, Jedi, he flooded an entire town. murdered innocents. it feels more like the director trying to show us just how far gone Anakin was, thus making Luke redeeming him that much more powerful. I really enjoy the smile because it goes to show no matter how powerful obi-wan is, only Luke, a fragment of Padme, the catalyst for bringing him to the dark in the first place could really bring him back.

[@jillcampbell3510]

I agree. Currently there is no Anakin left, only hate incarnate in the form of Vader.

[@michaelgrant7663]

Well said

[@bluebeskar]

Well said

[@robinsbank]

well they way i took it was anakin was there for a small moment giving obi wan peace as mercy and love for his former brother/master, that anakin wasnt his failure... but the pain and anger was to strong and he swapped back to darth vader after releasing obi from his torment, dont forget the person vader hated the most was anakin and aka himself, he was his biggest failure and what keeps his anger flowing and power through the dark side

[@kryptc744]

I agree!

[@Cami-hz2jo]

Hayden is perfect for the role as Anakin/Darth Vader! He didn't deserve all the hate he got after the prequels. Can't wait to see him in "Ahsoka"

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

Are they seriously making an Ahsoka series?? 😑

[@freyjulundr]

@@mr.yellowstrat3352 are you seriously crying

[@annieworroll4373]

He's got a similar position to Paul McGanns in Doctor Who for me. His first outings were.. not great. But he was given a chance to show up in a well written installment and proved the problem was not with him.

[@Emmet_Bryan]

he sucks

[@MichaelMedici61W2]

@@mr.yellowstrat3352 yes

[@nicknoga564]

All of the Sith portrayed in the prequels seem to smile at various points (Sidious especially), so I think it's not out of character for Vader to share in the sadism. He knows here that, even in defeat, he is hurting Obi Wan emotionally... so he's relishing in that.

[@hopeless_pedantic4256]

When did Maul smile?

[@billytheg.o.a.t5033]

@@hopeless_pedantic4256 after killing The Duchess Infront of Obi wan

[@rickardcooper6063]

Sideous doesn't smile so much as cackle maniacally with unbridled insane glee!

[@jonnykyloren5539]

But Vader is still very powerful and dangerous u can see it in his eyes that he’s not done with obiwan

[@nicknoga564]

@@hopeless_pedantic4256 Darth Maul has a slight grin during his duel with Qui Gon & Obi Wan. When barricaded behind those red force-field walls, Maul smiles at Qui Gon (who kneels to meditate), as if toying with him to test his patience.

[@aeringothyk5445]

Also, notice how in the earlier episodes Vader does not have that nasty scar in his scalp. But after Obi-Wan slices his mask open, he now has that nasty scar on his scalp, the same one that Luke sees when he pulls off the helmet. It canonized the scar. Which was not present when Anakin burned on Mustafár either

[@Cuban20]

Awesome catch!

[@charlesdodimead5658]

I noticed this like right away.

[@CaptianAlvin3645]

Rewatch the part when aniakin is buring it’s on his head already

[@anabang1251]

@@CaptianAlvin3645 Yeah I remember it being there

[@Mikemic2218]

NO NO NO he got that scar from burning on mustafar wtf are you talking about?? Rewatch revenge of the sith and the burning scene! Look at his head!

[@lukesmith4937]

I’ve always seen Vader and Anakin as separate characters. I think Vaders smile was a boast as he was the one to defeat the chosen one thus making him more powerful than Anakin. He’s proud of his efforts and it is only Luke who can reach out to Anakin behind Vaders persona to give Anakin the motivation to destroy Vader. Idk, just my thoughts.

[@Jasunnsw]

Sus: when a guy name Luke says that Luke is the only one who could do the job. ;)

[@illasm]

Anakin was the chosen one but vader took over for 19 years

[@zAvAvAz]

exactly only the son of anakin and obiwan was the father to him with a brotherly relationship, and the holy spirit of anakin defeating vader for good with all sacrifice knowing this was the opportunity to defeat palpatine until palpatine reborn shows up again. Obiwan knew he was a young adopted father to anakin and anakin saw obiwan as only a brother, except saying he had been like a father to him, obiwan didst not realize he is a daddy although did the job and would not ever kill his son, anakin learned this as vader and destroyed vader, the trinity rules with all might and power for heavenly glory to god.

[@IForgot87]

Well put. @luke smith

[@cpjh5528]

I think of it that way, but only to the extent as that’s what Vader thinks. He’s fooled himself to believe that he is separate from anakin and that he’s destroyed him. Vader has always been anakin and anakin has always been Vader

[@alexareeda1712]

So when I watched this fight I was struck by a couple things. Obi-Wan issued a genuine, from the heart apology. When he last fought Anakin, he didn't apologize; he said that he failed Anakin. For Anakin that was never an apology which is why he alluded to it in this scene. Obi-Wan had, at Mustafar, made it about himself. This time, Obi-Wan was being genuine and truly contrite. He was vulnerable to Anakin, which initially was received by Anakin as reflected in the blue flicker of light on his face. However, Anakin suffers from this duality of personality in that Vader is part of himself just under the surface. The last vestige of Anakin was when he said that he wasn't Obi-Wan's failure. But then the Vader within him takes hold and control. Vader attempts to play psychological warfare with Obi-Wan, but what Vader doesn't expect is that Obi-Wan, in being vulnerable with Anakin, is no longer holding on to the guilt of what happened. So when Obi-Wan walks away it leaves Vader rattled. When you hear Vader yelling Obi-Wan's name you can also hear Anakin's voice. I interpreted that as Vader screaming in anger and Anakin, in trying to overcome Vader, crying out to Obi-Wan for help.

[@francescapowell1538]

I really like your assessment of this scene. One of the best and most reasoned. Thank you.

[@DLeeZH]

This was an amazing analysis. It also gives credibility to Obi-Wan when he says Vader betrayed and murdered Anakin Skywalker. So, what he said truly WAS true from a certain point of view.

[@chrisk1489]

Very deep i never thought of that, excellent breakdown and thankyou.

[@ArchaideDreams]

I love this. I'll add this as well - I felt like the entire conversation was a back and forth on whether OW was taking to Anakin or Vader. "Anakin's gone - I am what remains" - Vader "I'm not your failure, you didn't kill Anakin Skywalker" - Anakin breaking out for a second. You can tell because of the blue light. He has his sabre down and the lighting is a subtle nod at the Light in him coming out. "I did" *smirk - Vader is back at the wheel. The red returns, and Vader is fully formed for the next X years. I think about the movie Split a LOT during this back and forth. "

[@TherealTexasghosthunters]

That’s what I thought as well

[@MTBJJ2001]

That was probably the most unnerving thing I’ve ever seen, one of the best scenes in Star Wars

[@sittinguphigh]

“Anakin is gone.. I am what remains.” Chills

[@thearthurmarston9897]

It honestly makes me so happy to see Im not the only one who really enjoyed this scene

[@scooter677]

Not really. Could have been mikes better

[@MTBJJ2001]

@@scooter677 I’d say it’s in my top 10

[@mrandersen6872]

@@scooter677 respectfully, your opinion stinks.

[@RedHoodOutlaws]

The lines “I am not your failure”and “you did not kill Anakin Skywalker I did.“ I think that is Vader taking responsibility for himself. He made the choices he did and he embraces them. He embraced the Dark side, he embraced evil. He chose to destroy what he was and chooses to do that every day. That was how he psychologically got to Obi-Wan. The smirk is malice.

[@ziephel-6780]

Vader: I am not your failure Obi-Wan, you didn't kill Anakin Skywalker, I did. Translation: No matter what you would have done, Master. I'll still choose the dark side over you. I killed your Padawan, I still tarnish and pervert his memory every day, and I know that hurts you deeply. This was always going to end one way, with my lightsaber through your chest.

[@brandynblea7253]

At the same time, its almost a mercy to obi Wan. It's like he gave obi Wan closure and even took that blame off obi Wan. It was a double edged sword.

[@xamava]

@@brandynblea7253 that is also the way I interpreted it... though it is rather challenging to completely dissect as a phrase

[@ne0nsunlite916]

@@brandynblea7253 I agree, Anakin always had great respect for obi wan. He went to the dark side because he was manipulated into thinking that was how he would save Padme. It even conveys that in the show with the blue glow when he was saying it.

[@lukedrake6486]

@@ne0nsunlite916 You know he's always had tremendous respect for obi wan, he even told the grand inquisitor that "he's not just any Jedi". Anakin took responsibility for his actions thus, setting obi wan free from guilt.

[@samcoder6900]

The only thing I regret from this show is not bringing back Padme in flashback or in dialogue. She was central in Anakin's downfall so it's a bit odd that she wouldn't be talked about during Vader/Obi-wan interactions. Same thing for Anakin's mother. We had many flashbacks about Reva's trauma, but none about Anakin's. That's why I hope a show around Vader will be made and will take care of this.

[@leudast1215]

I doubt the actors who played those female characters want anything to do with the franchise at this point. Star Wars almost killed Natalie Portman's career after all.

[@trekstarsam2494]

@@leudast1215 Exactly, Portman never asked or showed any interest to return as Padme. She wasn't a fan of the franchise like the others. Carrie FIsher herself once said that Star Wars ruined her career.

[@DS..69]

Natalie's busy having my babies and servicing me. Lol

[@MichaelNight]

For Vader, going back to that would be a step back into the Light, which could be even deadly to him, taking into account that not just his breathing apparatus, but the Dark Side is keeping him alive.

[@kristopherryanwatson]

@@leudast1215 not true. She's done several other movies and won awards for them..Black Swan, V for Vendetta....um, hello.

[@johnatkinson7479]

“I’m sorry for all of it” This is genuine remorse from obi wan as he is showing great sympathy with anakins struggle from the death of his mother to the forbidden love for Padme, that the Jedi would not allow Also and most importantly training a young boy while knowing the warning from yoda

[@kriszgamer0013]

Padmé said to Obi-Wan: "He has still good in him..." Obi-Wan never let this thought go, and when he finally sees his old friend's face, he still tries, as a last effort, bring him back. Calling out, desperately apologizing. When Vader sees this, he finds it not just usable, but miserable and pitiful. He isn't just taunting Obi-Wan with his smile. He is GENUINELY "laughing" at Obi-Wan. That after 10 years, he is still living in that lie that he can be brought back. And that is what Vader does. What he was trained to do, what he was told to do. *He killed hope.* In my opinion, if we could ask Obi-Wan "How does it feel to win this fight?" he would answer *"...Did I?"*

[@acutetriangle8923]

Well Luke did it after near 30 years

[@brunoddantas564]

Fuck..i cry reading this ;-;

[@dpchief_216]

Obi wan once thought as you do. You don’t know the power of the dark side!

[@cooljewel5039]

"He killed hope" So that's why we needed... A New Hope.

[@ziephel-6780]

Obi-Wan's apology was the equivalent of the funniest joke in the galaxy to Darth Vader. He sees the dark irony in Obi-Wan's apology

[@bernardorodrigues5348]

THANKS HAYDEN! The best Vader we ever seen! We want a Vader série

[@tufab3494]

De rocha! Precisamos de uma série desse Vader pra ontem, melhor personificação do personagem em seu auge feita até hoje

[@spizyofficial]

The saga is literally about him, lol😂😂😂

[@farrahburns6434]

Me too Vader show

[@joshuapadgett6343]

So they can ruin him even more no thanks. They just need to stop making stuff at this point.

[@Rednova08]

@@joshuapadgett6343 then stop watching. If you think they are ruining everyone then stop watching.

[@jacksondunphey2620]

He took joy in knowing obi wan’s sorrow was misplaced. He doesn’t want an apology, he wants him revenge. Not only would he love to kill Obi wan, but Vader loves the emotional pain that he’s feeling: he knows it *burns* Obi wan to see his former brother and apprentice in consumed with such darkness. Vader is engulfed with power and hatred, knowing obi wan is filled with shame, sorrow, and remorse makes Vader almost humorously happy

[@jacobkomnath7961]

I loved that smile. Vader is clearly loving the idea that he “killed” anakin and seeing that pain wash over obiwan.

[@QuantaSolace]

He felt how depressed Obi-wan was when he got to see Anakin’s face again. Vader was actively trying to hurt him like you said and succeeded. Vader was able to hurt Obi-wan mentally, and that’s why he had that maniacal smile. Obi-wan had realized Anakin was truly dead after that. Why he didn’t put Vader out of his misery is beyond me. I would be able to see that as an act of misery, tbh.

[@MrCODEmaster999]

He might have said it however Obi-Wan refused to believe Anakin was gone, and still knew he was the chosen one. He spared him for these reasons.

[@thelukeofficial9626]

Could you kill your own brother, that’s why he thought he wasn’t a threat and he didn’t want to put him self to use the darkness to kill Vader because Vader was pathetic at the moment struggling to breath beaten because he was.Conflicted so he didn’t want to kill him after seeing the face of Anakin reminding him that his brother is in there somewhere

[@ravenspurplebeats5412]

obi-wan still believed he was in there i think, also obi-wan isnt a person who gets joy from killing and only kills if needed i think.

[@p1nkf1oyd13]

I agree. Besides the obvious, it's hard to fathom why he let him live.

[@Liv1nMohawk]

If he did the timeline of Star wars would make no sense

[@lukepower2384]

I don't know what it was, but seeing Anakin's face finally in the suit, just hit me right in the feels. I was like oooh Anakin lol. He is my favourite character in all stories ever.

[@charliehunter9257]

You see his face in Return of the Jedi as well.

[@gina-mariecarr3488]

Same

[@senseilowg4957]

@@charliehunter9257 not hayden

[@lejobim]

@@charliehunter9257 but the actor who played in this movie wasn't the Anakin we know. We only see him in that scene. Hayden we saw along two movies, he is an Anakin more familiar to us. Then, seeing him through the suit has a lot more impact.

[@edwardstowers7272]

I agree. The first 6 movies and the Clone Wars and this is really the saga of Anakin Skywalker, and after 20 years Hayden is Anakin and Vader. I loved to see how much pain Obi-wan displayed over what he had to do to Anakin. Even ten years later he still has PTSD over it. He still loves his friend and that pain makes him weep. There is still a part of Anakin un there, otherwise his eyes would never turn blue. That small part of him is dominated by the fear, hate and rage that powers the dark side. But it’s still in there. Vader tries to convince Obi-wan it’s gone. Padme knew better. Luke knew better. I suspect Obi-wan does too. I think that’s why he didn’t kill him. Anakin wants to die to be free of Vader, but Vader will not allow it. I felt like the blue eyes were Anakin showing he was inside before Vader shoved him back down. I found this scene-like the wonderful sparring scene on Coruscant, very moving. Hayden has been Anakin for a long time. Now he is Vader as well. And Hayden has earned the affection of most of us. As Obi-wan said to Anakin I say to Hayden: I’m sorry for how they treated you, Hayden. All of it. I thought both actors looked great. To get Ian Macdirmid and Liam Neeson back for the finale was icing in the cake! And some actual Star Wars music!

[@Anziroth42]

The way I read into it was Vader was taunting him-- by taking ownership of the death of Anakin he expected Obi-Wan to slip up just enough and come in close for a finishing strike so Vader could turn it around, because that's how he himself would react if the situation were reversed. He is smiling cause he thinks he has him at that point and Vader is too damaged to go after him so he plays mind games to get Kenobi to come at him instead, but Obi-Wan did the one thing Vader was incapable of imagining anyone doing-- which is what Obi-Wan was trying to teach him through the entirety of the flashback. That's it's not about victory or the final blow-- and he simply walks away, because ultimately Obi-Wan doesn't want to kill anyone-- he simply does what he must and he had already achieved his objective which was to buy time. That is why Vader went from smirking to screaming his name in frustration-- he just couldn't understand anyone walking away from what seemed like an easy victory.

[@TheWanderingFire]

This.

[@averyscott284]

This actually makes sense. I saw it the same way, but no you just went into my head and took everything out and put it into English. Bravo.

[@clintonperdue4387]

Well said!!

[@rumplebunny]

Yes, it wouldn't be too unlike the times Palpatine played his "take your weapon, strike me down, I am defenseless, I'm too weak" mind games. Vader was like a wounded animal, but still an extremely dangerous wounded animal.

[@Camithran]

God I hope from now on Hayden is always the one wearing the suit, I’m just blown away by his and Ewan’s performance in this episode. The hints of their previous duels in this fight are great and they still have that combat chemistry that made their mustafar fight legendary.

[@skyguy1988]

they always had GREAT chemistry together. and ewan said knowing hayden is once again under the suit makes it even better lol :P

[@Niki-ij6tv]

An interespecting perspective! This entire scene is amazing. The way i interpreted it was that "i am not your failure" was a subtle moment of anakin coming to the surface almost as a consoling comment to kenobi, yet at the same time it can be interpreted as vader being insulted by being called a failure when he is actually more powerful than ever. The fact that the line is ambiguous like that is what makes it so powerful, and ofcourse the fading in and out of both the red and blue sabers, as well as the blending of Vader's voice and anakins voice, i think supports that line feeling ambiguous to both meanings.

[@shabadooshabadoo4918]

To me its mainly your second statement, like he can feel that Obi-wans eyes just see him as his greatest failure, but he wants to be seen with fear and awe of his power. He hates obi-wan and wants obi-wan to hate him back, but instead all he gets is sympathy. I don't think vader wants to kill obi-wan in his weakened state but wants him to reawaken so that he can "prove" he is stronger by finally killing him at his most powerful.

[@Niki-ij6tv]

@@shabadooshabadoo4918 a good point, and i think the fact that this small bit of dialogue can generate this much thought and discussion behind it shows how great of a scene it is.

[@krejn]

I don't know why, I'm not a huge star wars fan, but I do love the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin and it just crushes me knowing how Anakin was manipulated. Hayden and Ewan do such a great job portraying these broken characters and I often times think about the what-if scenario where Anakin doesn't turn to the dark side. Without going too deep into it, The epic tragedy of the Star Wars Skywalker saga has such an emotional grip on me its wild.

[@AUSTINMICHAEL78]

Absolutely amazing acting by Hayden and Ewan in this series. The finale was incredibly emotional and I think is an amazing conclusion to Anakin and Obi-wans friendship and makes a lot of things in the og trilogy make alot more sense

[@MrThegamemasterlord]

well wouldnt say amazing acting by hayden hes was only in it when hemlet was cut in half and a flash back all counts for nearly 1 min

[@skyguy1988]

@@MrThegamemasterlord yes, you can say amazing acting by him. it was RAW and POWERFUL the way he talked, and then screamed with rage at him and stuff. other actors could do that and be cringe af. this was not cringe. you could see the anger, hate, rage, sorrow and all.

[@MrThegamemasterlord]

@@skyguy1988 with one eyeball looking

[@LaSpookyPR]

I ball my eyes out 😭

[@hbjeff36]

The line “now his failure is complete” in Ep6 is now even better!

[@TeamLNE]

Man. That was worth the wait! I really REALLY want a Vader series now and it NEEDS to be Hayden. Delighted that the fans have his back after years of crap. MTFBWY!

[@ppkenosha4279]

YES

[@thtslrpwrdkd433]

as MUCH as i would want that, making a villain the main character could be tricky

[@killerkyle92]

hayden said himself he would be down for a vader series

[@IronLordEXO]

But the entire Skywalker saga is the Vader series

[@therinchilnsford777]

You can never have enough Vader.

[@SpectrumGamer29]

"Obi Wan might have been one of the greatest Jedi to ever live". Erm, he was one of the greatest Jedi to ever live even before we got this series. He's always been known to be that. I would argue Anakin's assessment of him was correct. He was as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu, and here he absolutely dominated the Chosen One. He is the master, and Vader is the learner. I think when Vader knew he'd lost, he was then set on dying, and he tried to goad Kenobi into avenging Anakin and striking him down, and then he would have had the ultimate victory by causing Obi Wan to fall. However, I also think there was a part of Vader that wanted Obi Wan to put him out of his misery, and that's why he screamed for Obi Wan to return. I think he wanted Kenobi to finish him. Also, completely agree. Obi Wan is the greatest of the Star Wars characters and also my favourite.

[@wilk3778]

I really like this interpretation

[@Nebu1acrush]

interesting

[@thatdude3977]

General Obi Wan

[@theclown2664]

Well only him and Luke beat the Vader not to mention Obi-Wan beat Vader twice. However this is a nice point you've made now. How he was screaming he didn't look like he just wanted to fight but wanted to be put out of his misery, he doesn't have anything to lose now same as Obi-Wan.

[@thedesolatescene3240]

obi wan is no where near as skilled as mace lmao

[@lukechalmers71]

It made perfect sense to me for why Vader is smiling. It’s an almost demonic, evil smile, it’s haunting. It’s a way for Obi Wan to believe that Anakin is truly gone and unredeemable; he says as much to Luke in ROTJ. There’s an arrogance to it and the “pride” of Vader beating down and crushing the light inside of him. Anakin is truly gone and it takes his own flesh and blood to redeem him and show him compassion and mercy for that light to come back.

[@warrenhailes2388]

He Smiled. Because he is sick and twisted. Two because he loves his Brother very Much and was Proud!! He shed Tears because of his Torment and his true mission. To weaken certain Key Components of the Empire so the Rebel Alliance could defeat the Emperor. Cheers! ;)

[@dogshmog]

I took that scene differently. I read the “you did not kill Anakin Skywalker, I did.” As a very slight sliver of Anikins good inside, screaming out for help, regret, and Vader shoving it back down inside. His cry, Obiwan! Was 2 parts also. First time, it was Anakin, crying out for help to make it go away, change what happened, stop him from turning, and last as Vader pushing it down again in anger.

[@handlerrezeiunclehan9402]

Same here

[@jhcmusicii6181]

Yeah, it was a moment of Anakin relieving Obi of his guilt. Then he yelled out in anger but also pleading for Obi-Wan to not leave him. Vader was never truly evil as we all know, he was confused and conflicted and being used by Palpatine.

[@marvinpelt6700]

When Vader said he killed Anakin its kind of a reference to how Obi Wan told Luke ,Vader killed his father

[@alphatrion100]

Yes. Havent heard any reviewer mention that but its obviously a reference to the scene with obi wans "in a way...." line

[@SchultzDorinda]

Vader told the same thing to Ahsoka. Vader lies to them that way, because he lies to himself that way. Convincing himself that Vader and Anakin are not the same, helps him carry the pain of his ruined life.

[@del1000005]

I think Anakin was trying to die. He's in constant physical, mental, and even spiritual pain. He believed Kenobi was holding back so as not to kill his friend/Padawan. Anakin wanted to convince Kenobi that Anakin was dead so that Kenobi would strike down Anakin and end Anakin's pain once and for all.

[@BoldOne8760]

What's stopping Anakin from doing it himself?

[@del1000005]

@@BoldOne8760 I think ego is the first reason. It would acknowledge the one thing Anakin despises, ie weakness. Anakin’s goal is to be the “strongest” or “best”. Dying by his own hand is an acknowledgment of his weakness. Second, fear. Anakin has always been full of fear. He fears failure. He fears weakness. He feared failing his loved ones. Fear is what made Anakin turn. Despite Vader’s outward demeanor, there’s a scared Anakin inside. He cannot take his own life because he fears what that entails.

[@LordXerus]

I had that same thought!

[@histatimaniples]

@@BoldOne8760 same reason mass shooters down kill themselves . They have to cause so much pain first and have someone else do it.

[@AngelPerez-xk8ip]

@@del1000005 He's very much still anakin I think that's why he lost. His weakness is his feelings for master he's still conflicted.

[@SuperAussm]

As someone who was waiting for Qui-gon to speak to Obi-Wan, I think its more powerful for Oni-Wan to find his path over having someone guide him. There's a term in psychology, it's better they find their path then having a therapist direct them. This was Oni-wans therapy.

[@theofficialphoenixtv5765]

lmao how do you spell Obi wan right the first time, then blunder it twice afterwards

[@tingledinkle]

How do you spell Brobi-Wan right the first time and blunder all attempts after that lmao

[@kjrana9488]

Loki Wan

[@51502610]

@@theofficialphoenixtv5765 Troll-e-wan

[@rikudo282]

6:01 that was a demonstration on how much of a hold Vader has... I think that's why it took Luke suffering, not him talking to him but almost dieing in front of him to snap out of it. You can hurt your brother and get over it... Your mentor your teacher... No man can watch as his child, knowing that is his flesh and blood, the last vestiges of his Love for padme, he can't watch his Son die... But Obi-Wan on the other hand....

[@marcoslaureano5562]

Honestly I think it's a smile of satisfaction. When he'd met Obi earlier he was weak and Vader easily defeated him - Obi came back like a lion. The part of Anakin that's still there was like "well done Obi Wan" and the Sith part of him was happy that the threat of Darth Vader was so intense that it brought Obi Wan's powers back to the surface. I believe it was a smile of grudging respect and a bit of glee at knowing that he'd wounded Obi that deeply - that while Vader was in a cybernetic prison - Obi was in a prison of his own and just as miserable as Vader.

[@eddherring4972]

Vader saying “I killed Anakin.” Is taking ownership of his situation. He chose to turn to the Emperor and the Dark Side rather than Obi-Wan having any say or involvement. Obviously up to this series Obi-Wan believes he killed Anakin on Mustafar and what he is confronted with is basically a droid with Force powers. When Obi-Wan sees Anakin’s face beneath the armour that is the moment that reality hits. The actions of Vader do not fit with the feelings Obi-Wan has, the love, loss and guilt he has. His own failure to complete the training, his failure to carry out Qui-Gon’s last request and the turning of Anakin to the Dark Side and all the atrocities he carried out which are flashing through his mind Obi-Wan believes these are all his fault because he failed Anakin. Vader knows all of this is deeply upsetting for Obi-Wan and so the psychological victory is clearly Vader’s hence the smile.

[@chrisk1489]

But if Darth really wanted to hurt Obi Wan psychologically, why not just continue to let Obi Wan think he was responsible for Anakin's decline? When Anakin takes ownership of his decision to turn to the Dark side and responsibility for killing Anakin, surely this makes Obi Wan feel it wasn't his fault and alleviates Obi Wans guilt?

[@jb-dn5fy]

I am not your failure Obi-Wan. You didn't kill Anakin Skywalker... I did☠️☠️☠️🥶 🔥 🔥 . Gosh that conversation cuts deep!

[@jb-dn5fy]

@@chrisk1489 why did Obi-wan call him "darth". It just didn't sound right

[@manuelzumbo3973]

why not? He understood that anakin was gone, the one in front of him wasn't anakin

[@rudde67ssm62]

@@chrisk1489 Agreed, if anything, he released Obi from his years of guilt...jmo

[@jillcampbell3510]

I definitely DID notice that maniacal smile! I loved it! That simple thing added so much to this episode. I am also a huge fan of horror films and that really spoke to me.

[@dianesinger9729]

Had to love Darth grinning and it was an evil grin. Well played and I love Hayden coming back I liked the switching between his voice and James Earl Jones voice as Vader. I thought for a split second Anakin was back and then he disappeared before you knew it.

[@k2sum]

That scene even had me in tears feeling the connection between them two. That scene was shot so well - strong energy

[@dombslife6876]

“That was a great moment for qui gon to come in” even qui gon said he wasn’t ready to see him yet at the end

[@jonathandowney7291]

I love this part the most. Seeing the blue and red from the saber. Trying to represent the good in him. Also did you guys see Vader eyes change? From blue back to Sith yellow. Even Palpatine knows when we see him talking to Vader.

[@viloftera89]

You are correct!

[@filmfreek35]

This version of Obi Wan would have easily taken down General Grievous

[@damaskholdings9140]

Fact

[@dilloon7626]

I wonder how Canon Obi compares to his Legends counterpart

[@jetstreamsam8826]

I don't know about easily without plot armor or anything grievous is a hard opponent to beat

[@Smoothalcoholic]

@@dilloon7626 legends obiwan is beast, he was using tutaminis during the clone wars and could conjure force explosions. legends anakin and obi wan have some ridiculous feats.

[@filmfreek35]

@@jetstreamsam8826 I think only if Grievous was force sensitive he would stand a chance. This version of Obi Wan can easily force crush his biological organs, use the force to throw him about like used tissue paper.

[@Platypus-Dreams]

I think he was able to tap into the force more because of the situation he was in. Reflecting on everything while buried. More machine than man, twisted and evil

[@bladeclanhalo3]

obiwan started using his defensive style, meant to be almost unbreakable while tiring your opponent and looking for openings, after lose the first half against a target that was much stronger physically, he swapped to anakins fighting style, very aggressive and meant to overwhelm your opponent. vader is not a mobile opponent so the fast aggressive fighting style that anakin used was perfect to beat vader

[@ryankennedy6781]

I figured obi wan was tapping into the dark side by the fact he was clearly angry and was able to overpower him

[@jwell4638]

Obi-Wan: I will do what I must. Narrator: He doesn't.

[@09stoneheart]

I think we are all so used to thinking of Vader as only the suit and mask, with Anakin trapped inside both. This scene let us see that Vader really is a flesh and blood person. With what is inside the suit being even more twisted and horrible than what is on the outside.

[@joshuagiglietti735]

You can see a glimmer of Anakin comeback for just a second right after Kenobi apologizes. Which I think is confusing because Kenobi didn’t pick up on this. Yet Luke was able to sense that Anakin was still in there after a few hard fought family reunions with his father.

[@ireportstreams6435]

@Alim B. It almost sounded like.he was choking up while saying " you.... did not kill Anakin.....Skywalker" the way he was leavinf pauses between words.

[@trekstarsam2494]

Vader loved his son, you cannot draw on the dark side when you love and want to protect someone. This is why Luke could best him in their last duel in RotJ. Anakin Skywalker was fighting internally with Vader and winning.

[@trekstarsam2494]

@Alim B. Absolutely. I think Anakin was telling Obi Wan that it was not at all Obi Wan's fault why he became what he did. Anakin chose to do it, and that would have made me release my guilt as nothing Obi Wan could have said or done would have helped. The Dark Side was like a drug that Anakin learned to draw on, and then by RoTS he became full on addicted.

[@e4peace]

I didn't take what Vader said like that. He said "I am not your failure obiwan" talking in the first person meaning anakin was talking then. Then while explaining that he didn't kill anakin skywalker, he says "I did", again talking in first person meaning Vader was talking then. To me anakin was touched by obiwans apology because it proves he cared about him, something anakin has convinced himself that he and the jedi didn't. This helps keep him as Vader. So when those feelings came up from anakin was owning what happened to him Vader kicks in from the anger of what occurred

[@lordvader_0668]

Agree, Well also palatine even said “ perhaps your feelings for your old master has left you weakened “ so obviously he felt something for obi wan in this moment.

[@chrisk1489]

I agree. I think it's possible that just for a moment, Anakin appeared and alleviated some of Obi Wans guilt by claiming it was his own choice to turn to the dark side and hence kill Anakin Skywalker. It also empowers him in one sense that by taking ownership of his decision it means he is a master of his own fete, rather than a victim of circumstance, or Obi Wan's failures. So by Darth telling Obi Wan it wasn't his fault it both alleviates some of Obi Wan's guilt and at the same time empowers Darth and keeps him in charge. Kind of "duel fetes" if you will ; )

[@griz132]

Anakin more than likely has BPD or MPD. For many years, its been an interesting take on what mental illness he may have to become someone like vader, and with those new lines, you could say it's now been confirmed by vader, himself.

[@doctorgadget3580]

Anakin actually did come out at the moment. That twisted smile part yes but right before when he said I am not your failure Anakin was peering through to forgive Obi Wan. Then vader came very quickly but I can’t help but feel overall he took a weight out of obi wans heart.

[@dmonkeylife8012]

Yes this is 100% what I thought the music and lights from the sabers match the dialog

[@chrisk1489]

I agree. I think it's possible that just for a brief moment, Anakin appeared and alleviated some of Obi Wan's guilt by claiming it was his own choice to turn to the dark side and hence kill Anakin Skywalker. It also empowers him in one sense that by taking ownership of his decision it means he is a master of his own fete, rather than a victim of circumstance, or Obi Wan's failures. So by Darth telling Obi Wan it wasn't his fault it both alleviates some of Obi Wan's guilt and at the same time empowers Darth and keeps him in charge. Kind of "duel fetes" if you will ; )

[@sebastiantomczyk4577]

Had the same feeling

[@adhdcrazy11]

Same I felt Anakin for a slip moment just as in Rebels. I haven’t read the comics but what I see from Theories from people who read them saying he’s been battling himself mentally. For crying out loud in the return of the Jedi you can’t tell me Anakin just appeared and took over Vader then Killed the Emperor. Then saying Anakin is truly gone is doesnt make sense. Then Luke would been killed. I think Anakin appeared to let Obi-wan know in his way that it wasnt his fault is was himself. If that make sense.

[@bobbyincidemetal]

This is the right answer!

[@sdrewe99]

Never mess with Obi Wan. He is probably the most complete and one of the most powerful Jedi ever to exist.

[@60weHoodsta]

Obi was not ever close to being one of the most powerful Jedi. Skilled, yes... Obi is actually one of the weaker but his skill is among the elite.

[@pjn666]

His wits and skills make him one of the toughest fighters. If the chips were down there are few people that I’d rather have on my side.

[@npoliver9013]

I can interpret the “I am not your failure” line a couple different ways. First, as Anakin peeking through and offering Obi Wan genuine consolation. This seems to be a major consensus among everyone especially given the duality between the red and blue light illuminating his face at specific times. However, I can also interpret the line as something less genuine and more sarcastic and biting, almost as if - even if it is Anakin still peeking through - he’s throwing the term “failure” in Obi Wan’s face. Anakin was always striving for approval and deeply resented being pitied, especially at the end of RotS. I think he truly felt that Obi Wan was often patronizing and desperately needed encouragement and “hyping” that Obi Wan (and the Jedi) didn’t really believe in. He wanted his power and skill to be acknowledged and I think in some ways was jealous of Obi Wan. In RotS when Obi Wan told him “I have failed you,” I think Anakin saw that more as Obi Wan being concerned about himself and his reputation, and less about Anakin’s needs or feelings. So he’s saying, “You don’t need to beat yourself up over this anymore. The great Obi Wan Kenobi didn’t fail.”

[@animewolf6987]

Nah u really wrong

[@ultraniter691]

I sort of see what you mean. I think Anakin did peak out saying it “it’s not your fault obi wan. I did this to myself.” with the idea of Vader killing Anakin. He is saying that he blames himself for all this and that because of it, kenobi can’t save him

[@ulyssesocounter8488]

But also, Vader is saying “don’t give yourself so much credit, I did all the work here”. A message of forgiveness twisted into one of spite.

[@orbit1894]

@@ulyssesocounter8488 exactly, it can be interpreted that way too. "Who do you think you are? I killed the great Jedi Knight Anakin, you didnt" as if he's taking pride of his accomplishment. But that being said, I strongly believe it was Anakin who was speaking when he said "I am what remains" Vader's voice was trembling and was full of regret and pain, as in, "I'm too far gone, dont blame yourself it was my own undoing" That set Obiwan free.

[@officerrebar3839]

I took this dialogue as the small part of Anakin inside Vader surfacing momentarily absolving Obi Wan of the failure on both of their parts. But Vader quickly returned and stated that he killed Anakin

[@ireportstreams6435]

Yup thats how i interpreted it too.

[@toddbender3463]

Can’t wait till Ewan is in his 60’s and can play obi-wan from the original movies

[@newhybrid101]

He will look different

[@derangedband]

this scene was incredible! i couldnt look away! it was an emotional scene with great acting! I like when Obiwan finally accepts Anakin is gone and calls him Darth.

[@Spector-yj5hk]

I love how when Obi -Wan said I'll do what I must sounded like Ben and Obi-Wan mixed.

[@Rich_828]

I was desperately hoping to hear Qui Gon under the rubble. I think they knew that would’ve been a really good moment too, however, I understand why they chose not to. To me it seems they wanted Obi-Wan to have a powerful, independent moment, in which he finally gathered the morale on his own to do what needed to be done. The moment he blasted the rubble away was when he finally reconnected with himself and even surpassed where he was in RotS. Saving Qui-Gon for the very end made it so much more powerful, legitimately brought tears to my eyes and that was well executed. It’s satisfying when you see it as Obi-Wan overcoming his fear and doubts on his own. Qui-Gon even points it out.

[@dallionaire8947]

I think you got it wrong. I feel like Vader wasn’t going to give credit to obi-wan for what he became. Instead of being viewed as a pitiful result of war, he preferred to be seen as a purposeful creation. That he was like that by his own choice. Amazing scene though. Hayden is just amazing

[@the_ZAMURAI]

Thank you. I don’t see how so many people miss this. It’s obvious Vader seethes at the mere thought of Kenobi pitying him, considering him an innocent he couldn’t help. Vader wants Kenobi to see that he isn’t a failed pupil, he’s a conquering murderer; a master of death.

[@emmargue675]

But in their fight in episode 3 he said: “I am what you made me.” I disagree with you due to vader’s own words. I agree with another comment. He felt like he was destroying obi wan’s hope to bring anakin back. Which he was and successfully did; but he was wrong in thinking that it would hurt obi deeply. Instead it more or less gave obi wan peace. Which is why vader was again enraged when obi wan leaves.

[@the_ZAMURAI]

@@emmargue675 Kenobi made him a walking cyborg; but he didn’t make him Vader.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Exactly. He wanted to reafirm himself as a Sith and not some Jedi failure.

[@TheSerpent21]

I like to think that some small part of Obi-Wan felt that despite everything that there was still a possibility of bringing Anakin back...that he wasn't lost completely. But, I think it was in this moment when Anakin talked to Obi-Wan through that opening in his mask that Obi-Wan realized that his friend and brother Anakin was no more and truly lost and that there was only Vader now. Bringing it full circle of his attitude towards him in episodes 4, 5, and 6 especially when he says to Luke that "he is more machine now, twisted and evil".

[@Mynextproject_74]

I think the smile may also be due to the fact that Obi-Wan, who may be the only one who can defeat him, is unable to so so because of his feelings for Anakin

[@Menga213]

Well we also got Ashoka and Luke Skywalker who also beat Darth Vader

[@fernandocabral8032]

@@Menga213 ashoka doesn't exist, and Luke was his son, so... he wanted to

[@ahaibaraackerman4210]

@@fernandocabral8032 ahsoka doesn’t exit? 😐

[@thejester8136]

I absolutely loved the way they spliced the two voices together so we got something truly different and terrifying at the same time. Made me Love Hayden/Vader that much more, I know he’s not a character that’s unmasked a lot but does show that he’s just as evil under it, as he is outside. I don’t think we’ll ever get another shot of Anakins face as it is now, that was the one last time we see him as a person or what’s left anyways.

[@jeremywoodfin2885]

Two things that have been overlooked that connect directly to the original trilogy, we now have an explanation for the scar on top of Vader’s head as seen in Return of the Jedi, also the line Vader gives in “A New Hope” when he says “when I left you” could refer to whenever he leaves Obi wan covered beneath the rocks, believing that he has won the fight

[@meansonofagun3425]

The scar was already there prior to this fight, it happened on Mustafar.

[@crust5909]

"when i left you" simply means when Anakin went dark side mode.

[@pelehami14]

I disagree with some people here. I think the words are more important than the smile, along with the symbolism. His face is illuminated blue as he says that he killed Anakin. To me, this was Vader finally letting go of the little bit of Anakin that was hanging on. It was his final goodbye to Obi Wan. Second after, his face is illuminated red as he says he will destroy Kenobi. To me, that was the last shred of Anakin being let go. It was “Anakin’s” final goodbye to his master. A way of letting Kenobi know that there was nothing he could’ve done. That it wasn’t his fault, as it was out of his hands and bound to happen. Vader killed Anakin. Not Kenobi. Metaphorically as much as literally. It wasn’t Obi Wan’s actions, but his own.

[@eugenepaolella132]

He's still in there return of the Jedi hello

[@Pleshie]

@@eugenepaolella132 and rebels when he talked with ahsoka lol

[@midniteoyl8913]

Agreed. This was also implied in the end when he told Palpatine that 'I only serve you, Master'. You could almost here the '..now' at the end. 'I only serve you, now..'. We have to remember that just prior to this, Anakin was still trying to contact and raise Padme from the dead. and failed, with her rejecting him. Now here he let go of Obi-Wan as well and was free to serve Palpatine in full, the same Ben was doing when he killed his father.

[@westyraviz]

And people keep wondering why Obiwan didn’t then kill Darth, since Anakin was gone. But that would be drawing Obiwan to the dark side if he did that. Just like how the Emperor goaded Luke to release the hate and strike him down in “Return of the Jedi.” By stating that Vader killed Anakin, Vader was trying to goad Obiwan into yielded to hate and killing him, but Obiwan didn’t take the bait. Which is why Vader screamed Obiwan’s name twice after Obiwan walks away.

[@midniteoyl8913]

@@westyraviz - Or when Palpatine told Anakin to kill Dooku.. 'I Shouldn't. It's not the Jedi way.'

[@LittleHammer_]

At the end, I felt Vader was relishing in Obi Wans pain n grief over Anakin. He also wanted Obi Wan to kill him and end the misery that he's living in. There was torment in that scream for Obi Wan as he realized Obi Wan once again wouldn't finish him. Tragic will always be the story of Darth Vader.

[@Krispy038]

Vader was too emotional, less composed during the fight compared to any other fight since he has history with obi wan, letting anakin slip in a little. That and Obi Wan wasn't afraid of Vader, something any other opponent suffers from, loses composure, and ends up making deadly mistakes. Obi wan COULD be stronger, but I'd say Vader isn't at his best here.

[@Conky88]

He is in his prime but his rage is so large it just took over and he couldn’t control it.

[@thediaz07]

Vader definitely becomes stronger in the use of the Darkside of the force later on.

[@peterock42]

F obi wan plot armor yet again

[@jgvillan01]

@@Conky88 Agree. Vader got emotional, thus sloppy in his fighting.

[@vishalagarwal9595]

@@jgvillan01 yeah but obi wan was godly

[@mgjmiller1995]

1:55 The battle location was pretty cool, reminded of the final battle in Avatar the Last Airbender, just MUCH closer quarters. Got some good tie-ins to Rebels ("then you will die" and helmet swipe) as well as the original trilogy. "Your powers have returned" vs "Your powers are weak old man," also in close quarters fighting

[@BritneyStinson]

I see it as a little bit of anakin coming thru. Anakin still loves obi wan even though anakin wants to hate him. He’s helping his master and giving him closure by taking ownership of his own actions, even if he doesn’t fully believe it and he’s smiling in the same sly way that he did in their practice fight from the last episode. Even though he wants to kill obi wan, he doesn’t and he still feels a comfort and excitement being with obi wan. Kinda like being with like, idk I can only relate it to an ex where like, you know there is tons of heart break there but also, there’s a comfort in just being around that person and you get kinda excited and giddy. Anakin is always there inside of Vader, now he is just shoving anakin down farther and farther and we see that thru the blue light succumbing to the red light on his face/helmet. Anakin isn’t gone, it’s just going to take a lot to bring him back, like Luke for example. We tend to think of anakin/darth as two different personalities and I guess that’s kinda true but I think of it more as anakin/darth is just one flawed person. who is capable of great atrocities and evil and great acts of love and bravery.

[@symbolik4372]

i just noticed that Hayden was breathing deeply during his scenes as Vader, which matches the lore we know about his breathing equipment works filling air into his lungs almost forcefully. Neat little detail. Also about the smiling, i don't think that was him trying to inflict emotional damage to Obiwan, rather, amusement that he already inflicted that emotional pain 10 years prior.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Exactly, he was amused and also wanted to confirm his dark side identity.

[@davis70140]

Two Darth Vader body doubles in Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi: Tom O’Connell (left) does the stunts and lightsaber duels, while Dmitrious Bistrevsky (right) does the walking/sitting scenes. So what does Hayden Christensen do? Hayden is 6ft1 and the two stunt doubles are 6ft6

[@symbolik4372]

@@davis70140 K first of all. party pooper. Second, Hayden did wear the suit for much of the scenes, though he did have body doubles so you are correct, that could have been one of the doubles. Though we have no way of knowing yet for sure who was in the suit for that scene specifically. Regardless, my point still stands about the physical theature.

[@Two_Chins]

Anakin told obi wan he was not his failure. Vader told Obi-Wan he killed anakin. The thing ppl are seeming to miss is Vader thinks he is the real Tyler Durdin here. Anakin is an annoyance to the Vader personality. He smiles because he forgets he tells Obi-Wan the first part, there is a cheek twitch and in the next beat he is telling Obi-Wan he killed Anakin with a large amount of relish I might add. It is a change over ala fight club, Vader thinks he beat anakin, for years he had him under control, until he realized he had a son and then anakin began to fully regain control.

[@e4peace]

I agree with your point 100%

[@lordvader_0668]

Well also palatine even said “ perhaps your feelings for your old master has left you weakened “ so obviously he felt something for obi wan in this moment.

[@johnbest1978]

I loved the finale it was very emotional. I actually cried when Obi-Wan cried but like Obi-Wan I was crying for Anakin. But that smile sent chills down my spine.

[@c.s.9511]

I think the smile is because he knows Obi wan is deeply disturbed by what his once padawan has become ...kinda like a “look at what you did” smile

[@wisdomthroughaworldofwords1412]

“When I left you I was but the learner. Now I am the Master”. This quote kept coming to mind during their battle in this series. As Kenobi still took Vader to school when Bader thought he had won.

[@deangousse2113]

Obi-Wan had to cross the threshold himself before he was able to contact Qui-Gon. Makes complete sense.

[@osmanshah5046]

It was the training Yoda told him about at the end of RotS. To commune with qui gon obi wan had to correct his understanding of the force. Which automatically made both him and yoda more powerful than the Jedi of the clone wars era

[@samings5553]

I think It's debatable whether or not the finale fight was really a victory for Obi and a defeat for Vader since the showdown was very deliberately left unfinished. Vader was on the defensive toward the end of the scene but he wasn't beaten completely, what's more important is that he wants to keep fighting where as Obi doesn't after seeing Anakin's face behind that mask. In a weird way Vader's hunt for Obi was the last thing keeping him tied to his emotions and the more human side of himself, hence him smiling. That's why it's sorta tragic that after the scene with Palpatine at the end he commits to burying those feelings toward his former master and becoming the more 'efficient' machine of the Empire we know from the original movies. In contrast, Obi buries Anakin and leaves behind his grief over him to focus being a better caretaker and role model for both Luke and Leia, the former of whom goes on to reignite Vader's humanity. That dual I feel was more emblematic of both men trying to end their relationship rather than who physically beat the other.

[@septianrico4141]

He lost his breathing control. He is breathing heavily. His movement is slowed because of this and the reason Obi wan managed to slash his back. Then also his helmet. Yup definitely take an L

[@Darth-Shadow]

@@septianrico4141 nah vader's rage has been proven to amp him without the suit. If he wanted to he could have destroyed him. But he was emotionally conflicted and struggled between himself and anakin. But yeah, he took a big L regardless of why

[@RaidenNexus97]

Vader was still standing, but I think Vader and Kenobi understood the battle was over. Obi Wan turns his back and walks away from a sith lord with an ignited lightsaber he knew Vader lost and wasnt a threat anymore at the moment.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Lol the dude was totally f up

[@captainsteroid2454]

That part reminded me of the end of Primal Fear (starring Richard Gere & Ed Norton); Vader pulls the ultimate mindf**k, and states that he was the dominant personality the whole time, not Anakin, to drive Obi-Wan into despare. Obi-Wan: There never was a Vader, was there? Vader: There was never an *Anakin*.

[@MurreStone]

"as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu", a true Jedi Knight once sayd.

[@secla_SC]

That sadistic smile freaks me out every time I see it, just shows how far gone Anakin is at this point and that as he said so himself “I [Vader] am what remains.”

[@shabadooshabadoo4918]

To me its almost like vader is like 99% in control and anakin is just curled into a ball in the corner of his conciousness unwilling to exert any control. Anakins basically given up on life because everything he cared about was killed, but he can still be awakened.

[@luckyking3709]

Seeing that whole scene made me sad as hell. Remembering the anakin-Obi-wan duo in the clone wars saga. But I feel like the season was rushed. However, seeing Hayden again under that mask was cool to see

[@aazatargaryan7146]

Bro rushed you reckon get off it its a masterpiece

[@luckyking3709]

@@aazatargaryan7146 TF you talking about. I was just saying 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@joshuaknox9433]

I believe that the smile was because he knew that he had beaten Obi-Wan... not in the fight, but mentally because he told him outright that Obi-Wan didn't kill Anakin, he did. Obi-Wan knew at that point that Anakin had truly fallen and in his mind, there was no way to come back from the dark side.

[@byjohan832]

That's how it is. You think you have Ben cornered, only to realize you have been cornered.

[@kr0ll3x]

The thought of him just smiling through fights and killing people just makes vader even more terrifying. Of course he doesn't smile ALL the time but he has had to at some point during fights when we couldn't see his face. Vader just gets more and more terrifying.

[@BellStartinVIDEO]

To me, it was more of a connection to the next encounter between the two, in "A New Hope" : at this point, he's to enraged to think straight, and Anakin is still trying to survive in Vader's mind. He was lighted in blue to show when Anakin was talking, then it turned back to red, showing us that Vader learned the lesson, and will now have full control over Anakin. That's also why when they meet again in ANH, he tells Kenobi that he has gone from being the learner (Anakin) to become a Master (Vader). I have the impression we got to see Vader's duality in it's full scale, and that's the perfect scene to transition from the young Vader to the older, "wiser" one.

[@greyFCB]

to me it felt as if vader was wanting obi-wan to kill him. thats why he was smiling and screaming for him to comeback. as if he wanted obi-wan to use the dark side to kill him. I could be wrong and probably am. it was an awesome moment and the acting is so top class. it was a perfect ending and plays right into A New Hope. Bravo to the writers and to Hayden and Ewan

[@haroldearlgray5629]

I feel like sith really like those "strike me down, it is your destiny" moments

[@patriciawilk4046]

I agree with you that Vader was saying a few things in order to turn Obi Wan.

[@Reliant1864]

This is where it's weird for me. Vader commits genocide. He's a war criminal. The proper thing would be to end his life and save thousands. I thought Obi Wan didn't think Anakin was the chosen one anyways. I feel here Obi Wan should have started to move in for a kill at the end of the speech but we hear a faint voice of Quagon saying no, or something to the effect and then Obi Wan would stop as he trusts his old Master. You can still do a face reveal at the end like they did but it would make this scene more logical IMO

[@osiang2919]

@@Reliant1864 agreed. Qui Gon was different in the way that he respected the will of the force more than the masters of the clone wars era. Would've been cool to see obi wan move in for the fatal blow, only to hear Qui Gon's voice saying, "No, he must live, he is the chosen one, he will bring balance to the force." May be just me but I would've loved that.

[@Reliant1864]

@@osiang2919 Yup, it would have been both nice to see, fit Qui Gons character, and add logic to why Ben never striked him down. They could also have it that only Ben hears and that drove Vader into his final scream for Obi wan. This scene was awesome but I felt that lacking of a real logical reason to keep Vader alive given how evil he is a bit of a missed step

[@thefearofg0ds758]

It seemed to me that any amount of hurt he can bring Obi-Wan brings him joy. He saw the pain and sorrow in Obi-Wan's face and took pleasure in making it worse by making it abundantly clear that Anankin as he once knew him is DEAD and Vader killed him. Basically erasing any hope Obi-Wan had of redeeming him. This leads to another point someone else pointed out. That Vader is obsessed with Obi-Wan. Even after Obi-Wan was long dead in Return of the Jedi, Vader was petty enough to jump and claim any morsel of victory he had left over Obi-Wan when he claimed "NOW his failure is COMPLETE". Still chasing Obi-Wan's shadow. The smile showed how sad and rather pathetic Vader was underneath all the theatrics and terror. No matter how powerful Vader becomes, he will always lose to Obi-Wan because his obsession is a weakness.

[@orbit1894]

"I'm what remains" was such a powerful line, indicating that Vader was always within Anakin and its not a persona that was created after what happened to his mother and Padme, Vader was always there no matter what. Really taps into philosophy that we all have an inner evil side residing inside of us.

[@ozmozis6073]

I disagree with the need for Qui-Gon Jinn to have anything to do with Obi-Wan's fight. This test was all Obi-Wan and no one else. If Qui-Gon Jinn spoke or appeared, it'd take the emphasis away from Obi-Wan. The emphasis was all Obi-Wan. He alone stood tall without any assistance. No one speak of Palpatine. Surely he'd have known Vader was in trouble, yet again? Surely he'd have feared losing his prize? Or was Palpatine in fear at all? Did he know and could care less? Palpatine would've felt the Force surge aka a "disturbance" as Obi-Wan Force use went from near nothing to significant. Surely Palpatine would've had his own spies on Vader's ship, to know the fight with Obi-Wan didn't end well, as Vader's armor was breached? The big question is why Obi-Wan not sense the darkness in Anikin, especially after he unloaded on the Tuskens? The darkness was growing in Anikin, yet Obi-Wan was blind to it, until Vader arrived... A curious note. Why didn't Vader read Obi-Wan's mind and sense the connection to the children? If not for their origin, for Obi-Wan's Force power growing because of it i.e. Vader to Luke "Your thoughts betray you, you have a sister?!" Was the Force in choosing a side, to be with Obi-Wan, that it also chose to be discreet and hold this reveal back from Vader? Lastly, Reva and the Inquisitors are missing the final Jedi training that would've made them whole. Reva has no idea that she was bringing Vader to her, as noted by Obi-Wan. They lack prescient vision of the future and how things might play out. When Palpatine says to Vader "are you thoughts clear" is an indication on how to focus the mind and see all ends through meditation - the Inquisitors and many Force users are blind to this level of connection and reality. Palpatine and Vader are not. They have full training and use the Force to their advantage. It's the one lesson, Riva in her departure failed to seek. This would make her whole - she's only limited, with power, yet limited.

[@coochieman4126]

Same

[@JamesBond-hy4kv]

Agree, it showed how strong so Kenobi really is when unleashed.

[@FlamedramonX]

i dunno about the smile, but there are small hints that one has to keep in mind, star wars has always been full of subtle symbolism, for example, after Obiwan apologizes, you can see the blue shinning on his face as he says to Obi that he was not his failure, using his normal voice, and it goes red again when he proclaims he will destroy him. The blue could symbolize Anaking surfacing again, and reasuring Obi wan that his downfall was not his (Obi-Wan's) fault, that he caused this all by himself, then goes red to show that at that moment Anakin was gone again, and Vader was back. There is also the last shout of Obi-Wan name he did, if you listen carefully, you can hear both his normal and Vader voices when he shouts his name, however while Vader's shout sound furious, Anakin's voice sounds altmost like a call, a plead to his old master. Showing that there was a lot of conflicting emotions in Vader at this moment, emotions of Anakin and emotions of Vader colliding at the same time. This is also confirmed by Palpatine after when he mentions that maybe his emotions for his old master made him weak in that battle. Also i still believe RotS was Obi's prime, remember in that Mustafar battle all the acrobatics and agility he showed in that battle. Seems to me that what happened to him here was that the near death experience allowed him to tap more into the force and enpower himself momentarily just enough to beat Vader, just like Rei did agaisnt Kylo Ren on EP VIII. Also while Vader was at his prime as Vader, he was not as powerfull as his prime as Anakin in EPIII. So yeah, that moment of force enpowering allowed Obi to regain most of the strengh he lost on the 10 years of hiding and be altmost as powerfull as he was in EP III, strong enough to defeat Darth Vader, but probably not enough to defeat Anakin Skywalker has he not had most of his original body destroyed on Mustafar.

[@m.daglydewoodrow7720]

I’ve been saying for close to forever that Obi-Wan was established very early on that he is one of the most powerful Jedi ever. What he said right before he died in A New Hope first clued me in. Never forget that he really let Vader kill him too. Then for him to defeat Maul, then Anakin, and watching the Clone Wars series truly nailed it all into place.

[@grapeshot]

Yes he did tear Darth Vader a new one, as well as splitting his helmet.

[@sailorbychoice1]

6:25 Actually, I see it quite differently from most here. "I am not your failure..." I think it was the last trickle of Anakin coming through for just that moment telling Obiwan he hadn't failed him, and took one second to smile before allowing his alter ego to have complete control again. He had failed himself.

[@trekstarsam2494]

Yes, I think that too. You see exactly the same when Ahsoka temporarily bests him also in Rebels. Anakin calls out to Ahsoka. Pretty much in all of Star Wars, every time Vader's mask gets taken or knocked off, Anakin emerges. That's the symbolism in Star Wars. The man under the mask is the real Anakin Skywalker. Probably in the daze of having his mask broken his he is too weak to continue to draw on the dark side, causing Anakin to temporarily again take control, but as his mind clears, Vader re-emerges, and he starts to draw on the dark side again.

[@clubtepes2046]

Agreed. Anakin pops out for a second, absolving Obi-Wan of the choices he (Anakin made) and that Vader took him over. The pause before "..... I did" with a hint of a grin, was perfect.

[@angelolovato6494]

Him Screaming for Obi shows that Vader was truly the one weakened mentally

[@tinyterror6179]

Can't forget... with so many light side users dead or in hiding, the light side pool was largely untapped, so I imagine this might augment Obi Wan's powers more... if this is even a thing LOL

[@czarsalad101]

Well- thats the entirety of the rule of 2’s logic lol. We need less Sith so the dark side is augmented and only focused into 2 supreme beings. It also had the bonus of stopping Sith in-fighting.

[@tinyterror6179]

@@czarsalad101 so this would apply to the jedi or light side users as well, just the Sith were focused on keeping their user cap at 2 in order to harbor a deeper access to the dark side intentionally, whereas the jedi order, while possibly aware of this, weren't focused so much on the acquisition of power and/or the consolidation of the light side to two individuals but just the continuation of the order as a collective and maintaining their prominence .

[@czarsalad101]

@@tinyterror6179 yep

[@colejedlicka2985]

Alternative take: the smile was because Darth Vader didn't fight Obi Wan....Anakin did. Stupendous Wave did a great breakdown of what I'm talking about. But in short, Darth Vader is cold and calculating. His duel with Reva in the previous episode was Darth Vader, but this fight with Obi Wan was emotional and scrappy....the type of fight that Anakin would get into. The type Obi Wan chastised Anakin for in the flashback scene. So my read is that the smile was Anakin/Darth Vader calming himself down. And when he calmed himself down, Darth Vader realized it was Anakin that got emotional...further justifying his decision to kill Anakin. That also communicates to Obi Wan that Anakin, his apprentice, was the weak one.

[@Feber2001]

AMAZING analysis on what Vader said to Obi-Wan. That part about him saying, "I killed Anakin" confused me. Now I know why Vader did that; to mess with Obi-Wan

[@jedigamer9935]

That is also meant for Obi-Wan's truth to Luke to have some sense of being true. Vader did kill Anakin and even Vader believed that.

[@TeXCalibuR35]

He knew he was hurting him even more then he ever could with physical pain at that time.

[@fendisaintlaurent4257]

I'm glad his strength came from within and not because of Qui Gon.

[@grimskull94]

Almost like he was trying to get Obi-Wan to kill him

[@Revonlieke]

To me it's more along the lines of this; In the scene you can still see Anakin. When he responds. "I am not your failure Obi-wan. You did not kill Anakin Skywalker" he is clearly talking about himself as Anakin at that instant and we can see the sadness in his eyes, the fact that he understands why Obi-wan feels sorry. He knows deeply how much Obi-wan cares for him and he knows what he himself has lost and what he has become. Kind of giving Obi-wan that reassurance that someone who is dead would give you for you to not feel sorry for him and move on with your life. And then comes the line "I did" which is clearly Vader speaking. Not Anakin. It takes incredible emotional power for Anakin to resurface from all the hatred, suffering, hurt and agony that is Vader. Now ofc Vader isn't different being, it's just the only way for Anakin to deal with everything he has lost and how he felt the Jedi betrayed him because of how their way conflicted with his love for Padme. Forcing to keep everything a secret and to not show emotions felt really unjust for Anakin who was really emotional person. So to me, no. It's not Vader trying to manipulate or stab at Kenobi. Outside of the "I did" line. That specifically was Vader telling Kenobi that Anakin is gone and Obi-wan believed it. Even though just a moment ago he could see the sorrow in his eyes as he said "I am not your failure". And on top of this we the viewers know that Anakin is not gone. And that line specifically highlights the thing that only his wife and his son could see.

[@lianawinans4531]

Why did he scream Obi-Wan's name twice and when did Darth Maul do that??

[@simonnice9030]

This was how I interpreted it aswell!

[@Revonlieke]

@@lianawinans4531 I think Rebels or Clone Wars is is where he screams that. Sam Witver even dd the iconic scream in the Star Wars show when Obi-wan was about to be released.

[@lianawinans4531]

@@Revonlieke so when he came back after being bi-sected?

[@Revonlieke]

@@lianawinans4531 yes

[@dstap6772]

He did have regular eyes then sith eyes. Freaking cool. Love this and hope season 2 does happen. And Ben saying my friend is truly dead. As Luke said then my father is truly dead.

[@haydenlarsen9949]

Did anyone notice the line "Then my Friend is truly dead". That is something Luke would later say when he tries to turn Vader back into the light before saying "Then my Father is truly dead". pretty subtle but gives you something to think about.

[@Epsilonsama]

Like Anakin said, Obi Wan is as strong as Mace Windu and as Wise as Yoda. When he said that he wasnt lying. He was in many ways the perfect Jedi Order Master.

[@alfredocoelho8088]

I loved this duel. It makes totally sense for me Obi Wan not finishing Vader, simply because he is indeed merciful and he still loves his friend, despite seeing him consumed by Vader.

[@Gurunberudo]

"The most terrifying part of any monster, is the human they used to be." can't remember where I heard those words but I can't think of any that better describe Vader. I do believe however that when we see his true face reflecting the blue light, it is anakin speaking, a moment of self reflection, him admitting to obi wan and arguably himself that it truly wasn't his old masters fault but his own, the red light returning however could be seen as symbolic of anakin losing himself again to Darth Vader. the journey these two take throughout the later stages of their lives are mirror reflections of each other, with both forgetting themselves but eventually remembering who they are. obi is able to remember far sooner however. what a great series, and a great video.

[@connorw6335]

I think it was important for Obi wan to realize his strength and purpose on his own rather than having qui gon help him

[@eddytowers]

I think watching this episode made me realize that Hayden’s Anakin and Vader speak in get same cadence. They really are played the same way. Brilliant.

[@Direwolf1166]

I'm partially convinced that the reason like could get through was because Vader had never been a father before. He was able to "kill" anikin by cutting off all those old emotional ties and fondness. But Luke was something new. He couldn't just server him, cut him off. He couldn't just put him into a different box. He was the remnant of his wife, but still living and breathing. Vader processed Luke being alive in the same way Anakin did at the same time. It forced him to confront himself about that.